Uncovering the Vibrant Heartbeat of New Zealand's Music Scene

In the ever-evolving landscape of music, New Zealand has emerged as a hotbed of talent, captivating audiences with its diverse and dynamic offerings. Each week, Rolling Stone AU/NZ shines a spotlight on the most captivating new releases from the country's thriving music scene, showcasing the remarkable artistry that continues to shape the industry.

Discover the Gems Shaping New Zealand's Musical Landscape

Lucian Rice: Embracing the Present Moment with "right now, forever"

Lucian Rice's debut EP, "right now, forever," is a captivating exploration of the present moment, offering a sonic tapestry that seamlessly blends fuzzy, melodic guitar-pop with a profound sense of introspection. Teaming up with collaborator Tom Verberne, Rice has crafted a collection of tracks that serve as a personal snapshot, inviting listeners to join him on a journey of self-discovery and appreciation for the beauty that lies in the here and now.The EP's title track, "right now, forever," sets the tone, urging the listener to "appreciate what is in front of you right here." This sentiment permeates the entire release, as Rice navigates the complexities of staying grounded and embracing the messy, yet captivating, nature of the present. With his emotive vocals and intricate instrumentation, the New Zealand songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and producer has crafted a work that resonates deeply, leaving an indelible mark on the listener's heart and mind.

Jim Nothing: Blending Familiarity and Freshness in "Grey Eyes, Grey Lynn"

Auckland's Jim Nothing, the moniker of James Sullivan, returns with his second album, "Grey Eyes, Grey Lynn," a release that seamlessly blends the familiar and the fresh. Distributed through Melted Ice Cream (NZ) and Metitorio (Spain), this follow-up to his acclaimed 2022 debut, "In the Marigolds," is a treasure trove of garage-pop gems.Tracks like the punchy "Raleigh Arena," the dreamy "Easter at the RSC," and the sun-soaked "Wildflowers" showcase Sullivan's knack for crafting infectious melodies and lo-fi, DIY charm. The album's ability to feel both comfortably familiar and refreshingly new is a testament to the songwriter's keen ear and his unwavering commitment to his craft."Grey Eyes, Grey Lynn" is poised to captivate a whole new audience, as Sullivan's unique blend of garage-pop sensibilities and personal storytelling continues to resonate with music enthusiasts seeking a genuine, authentic sound. This release solidifies Jim Nothing's position as a rising force in the New Zealand music scene, offering a listening experience that is both nostalgic and forward-thinking.

MACEY: Vulnerability and Simplicity Shine in "Midnight Lover"

MACEY's latest single, "Midnight Lover," marks an exciting new chapter for the singer-songwriter, as he embraces a stripped-back, emotive approach that allows his vulnerability to take center stage. The indie-folk track, a precursor to his upcoming EP "how to say goodbye," delves into the complexities of a tumultuous relationship, with MACEY asking the poignant question, "Are you gonna break my heart?"By leaning into simplicity and letting the raw emotion shine through, MACEY has crafted a captivating piece that resonates deeply with the listener. The track's brooding, introspective nature reflects the artist's personal experiences, as he explains, "I'd just been through quite a strange fling, where neither of us were able to be there for each other at the right time, sort of a hot and cold relationship."This honest and introspective approach sets the stage for MACEY's forthcoming EP, promising a deeper exploration of the human experience and the nuances of love and loss. "Midnight Lover" serves as a powerful introduction to this new chapter, showcasing the artist's ability to distill complex emotions into a simple, yet profoundly moving, musical expression.

Tusekah: Embracing the Bittersweet in "Baby's Breath"

Tusekah kicks off 2024 with the release of "Baby's Breath," a swooning, romantic single that showcases her soulful, soaring vocals. The lush, emotional track is a celebration of love, wrapped in a melodic embrace. However, as the artist herself admits, the song's idyllic portrayal of romance is not without its complexities."I feel like I don't actually know that 'Baby's Breath' is realistic," Tusekah confesses. "I wrote it when I felt the most genuinely in love I had been with a person, but I also felt the relationship was coming to an end for many reasons." This bittersweet acknowledgment adds depth and nuance to the track, reflecting the artist's honest exploration of the highs and lows of love."Baby's Breath" is a testament to Tusekah's ability to craft emotive, soul-stirring music that resonates with the listener on a profound level. By embracing the duality of love – the joy and the pain, the hope and the heartbreak – the single becomes a poignant reflection on the human experience, inviting the audience to connect with the artist's own journey.

Rita Mae: Confronting the Intensity of Love in "No God"

Auckland singer-songwriter Rita Mae continues her streak of powerful singles with the release of "No God," the final teaser before her highly anticipated "Kiss The Sky" EP drops on November 15. The track delves deep into the fear of loving too much, of losing oneself in the all-consuming nature of intense emotions."What if I fall too hard and never recover?" Mae wonders aloud, capturing the essence of a love that feels like it could swallow you whole. The song's haunting lyrics and emotive delivery reflect the artist's exploration of the vulnerability that comes with opening one's heart to another."No God" is a testament to Rita Mae's ability to craft songs that resonate on a visceral level, tapping into the universal human experiences of love, fear, and the search for balance. As the final teaser for her upcoming EP, the track sets the stage for a release that promises to delve even deeper into the complexities of the human condition, cementing Rita Mae's status as a compelling and insightful storyteller within the New Zealand music scene.

Kirsten Morrell: Bringing a "New Twist" to Disco with "Avignon"

Goldenhorse singer Kirsten Morrell returns with her latest single, "Avignon," a track that she describes as "disco with a new twist." The upbeat, funky offering follows the release of "Strawberry Fool" and is lifted from her upcoming album, "Morrellium."Morrell's unique take on the disco genre showcases her ability to blend familiar elements with a fresh, innovative approach. The track's infectious groove and Morrell's captivating vocals invite listeners to immerse themselves in a musical experience that is both nostalgic and forward-thinking."Avignon" serves as a tantalizing preview of the artist's forthcoming album, "Morrellium," which is poised to further solidify Kirsten Morrell's reputation as a versatile and boundary-pushing musician within the New Zealand music landscape. With her ability to reinvent and reimagine established genres, Morrell continues to push the boundaries of what is possible in the world of contemporary music.

Arthur Ahbez: A Triumphant Return with the Jangle-Garage-Fuzz Epic "Sister"

Tirau-based songwriter Arthur Ahbez is making a mighty return with his first new studio album in seven years, set to drop on November 8th via SHAM Records. The artist has teased us with the captivating "Sister," a jangle-garage-fuzz epic that showcases his unique sonic sensibilities."I remember writing 'Sister' sometime around 2013. I was in my cottage, and I suddenly got a bout of moxie and wanted to sing something like Buffy Sainte-Marie would—loud, wailing, and with soul," Ahbez recalls. The result is a track that is both absurd and deeply emotive, exploring themes of murder, jealousy, abandonment, unconditional love, and indifference.The raw, unapologetic nature of "Sister" serves as a powerful introduction to Ahbez's forthcoming album, promising a release that will delve into the artist's personal experiences and artistic evolution. With his return to the music scene, Ahbez is poised to captivate a new generation of listeners with his uncompromising, genre-blending sound and his unwavering commitment to honest, introspective storytelling.

TOOMS: Exploring Belief and Conviction in "Fox"

Tāmaki Makaurau's TOOMS, the power duo of Dorian Noval and Nich Cunningham, are back with "Fox," their first new single since 2022's "Classic Fake Teeth." The track is described as "a tale of belief. Or perhaps more accurately a tale of others' failure to share a belief and the difficulty of convincing them. Or the how hard it can be to move events from belief and into fact."The song's intricate, layered instrumentation and the duo's dynamic interplay create a captivating sonic landscape that reflects the thematic exploration of belief and conviction. TOOMS' ability to craft thought-provoking, genre-blending music that delves into the complexities of the human experience continues to set them apart within the New Zealand music scene."Fox" serves as a tantalizing glimpse into the artistic vision of TOOMS, hinting at the depth and nuance that listeners can expect from the duo's future releases. As they continue to push the boundaries of their craft, TOOMS solidifies their position as one of the most compelling and innovative acts emerging from the vibrant New Zealand music landscape.